Our Rural and Coastal team works dynamically to respond to these issues, supporting individuals and communities to create meaningful change in their lives and local areas. Much of our focus is on tackling systemic barriers that persist across rural Cornwall.

Housing remains one of the most pressing needs. Through the current Rural Housing Enabling Programme, we are working in partnership with local parish councils and Cornwall Council’s Affordable Housing team to identify, promote, and progress sites for genuinely affordable homes in rural areas where local people are being priced out. Without the security of safe and affordable housing, opportunities to thrive remain out of reach.

Reliable transport is another priority closely tied with the impacts of rural poverty. Many residents in rural hamlets are cut off from jobs, healthcare, and education by a lack of affordable, dependable transport links. By gathering insights directly from communities, we are helping to highlight these challenges and advocate for solutions that reflect local realities.

We also continue to support small boat fishermen and their communities, who face unique economic pressures but remain central to Cornwall’s cultural and social fabric.

At our recent series of community roadshows, we brought together people from every corner of Cornwall with decision makers, service providers, and advocacy organisations. These gatherings allowed voices from rural communities to be heard and helped drive forward collaborative solutions.

At CRCC, our commitment is clear: to stand alongside rural communities, ensuring that every individual in Cornwall has the chance to thrive, no matter where they live.